Paeonia suffruticosa White - Tree Peony

Paeonia suffruticosa White is a shrubby peony with solitary, semi-double, open cup-shaped flowers in pearly-white with pale pink, adorned with pale yellow stamens. These large cup-shaped flowers measure 18 to 25 cm (7 to 10 in) in diameter and bloom from mid-May to mid-June, perched on upright stems. Some consider shrubby peonies to be the epitome of refinement.

Growing fairly slowly, this very hardy shrub grows up to 1.5-2 m (5-7 ft) tall. The deciduous leaves are composed of nine lanceolate leaflets, which are very smooth and brownish-green when they bud and then tender green with a bluish reverse afterwards.

Originally from eastern Asia, Paeonia suffruticosa is more delicate than herbaceous varieties: it prefers sheltered situations, especially from cold winds. It grows in partial shade but tolerates non-burning sunlight and thrives in rich, deep, humus-bearing, moist, acidic, and light soil. It does not tolerate limestone and struggles to grow in very heavy soils.

In the garden, Paeonia suffruticosa White can be used as a standalone against a wall, a hedge or in a mass planting, under tall trees, but always sheltered from the wind and in well-aerated and bright locations. Peonies can be combined with other perennials that bloom before or after them, such as grasses, roses, irises, or bellflowers.